Thursday, August 14, 2008

Olympic windsurfing

NBC's Olympic coverage certainly has brought us the big names like Michael Phelps and....well, Michael Phelps. Is there anyone else?

Well, for us windsurfers, our big names are Ben Barger and Nancy Rios. They are representing the U.S. in the RS:X Windsurfing Class. RS:X is the chosen one design class of windsurfing racing for the Olympics. The boards are wide, stable, and have an adjustable centerboard for lighter winds, but is also shaped to perform well in stronger winds.

RS:X Windsurfing Video

Ben and Nancy don't appear to be in medal contention but are representing the U.S. with class. They have interesting backgrounds. For example, Nancy is a first generation American who helped raised her siblings. U.S. Olympic sailing and windsurfing hopefuls aren't given a ton of resources for their training, relative to what the other countries are providing to their competing sailors. Our sailors have to raise most of the funds required for training on their own.

WaterTurtle = a nickname some of my friends gave me when we were learning to waterski over 20 years ago because I loved being in the water so much...and still do.
I love to windsurf first and foremost, but I also love mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding/surfing, and snow skiing. I enjoy other outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, sailing/boating, the occasional Panthers or Cubs ballgame and NASCAR race, etc. I am a husband and father to three kids, plus I have a demanding job in the tech field. This keeps me very busy as it is, but once in a while, I do get outdoors to enjoy a great adventure either in the water or on land. I hope you enjoy my online journal of outdoor adventure. Check out the videos, posts, pictures, and other web sites linked from this page.